Scientist. He was head of the Smithsonian Institution for 32 years where under his direction, the national weather forecasting service was born. One of America's greatest scientists, he invented the first practical electric motor, telegraph and the electric relay, pioneered in the study of sunspots, and innovated the development of lighthouse foghorns and lights to aid ships in navigation. Without a college degree, he was hired as a professor at Princeton University prior to his tenure at the Smithsonian where he lived with his family until his death. The day of his state funeral was declared a national day of mourning and the service was attended by President Rutherford B. Hayes, his wife Lucy, the entire cabinet, Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, members of both houses of congress and many scientists. In 1893 his name was given to the standard electrical unit of inductive resistance, the henry. In 1997 The Smithsonian published his biography: "Joseph Henry: The Rise of an American Scientist."
Scientist. He was head of the Smithsonian Institution for 32 years where under his direction, the national weather forecasting service was born. One of America's greatest scientists, he invented the first practical electric motor, telegraph and the electric relay, pioneered in the study of sunspots, and innovated the development of lighthouse foghorns and lights to aid ships in navigation. Without a college degree, he was hired as a professor at Princeton University prior to his tenure at the Smithsonian where he lived with his family until his death. The day of his state funeral was declared a national day of mourning and the service was attended by President Rutherford B. Hayes, his wife Lucy, the entire cabinet, Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, members of both houses of congress and many scientists. In 1893 his name was given to the standard electrical unit of inductive resistance, the henry. In 1997 The Smithsonian published his biography: "Joseph Henry: The Rise of an American Scientist."
Bio by: Donald Greyfield
Gravesite Details
The gravesite is prime location at Oak Hill and has a beautiful view for those who take the time. There is a large monument headstones around it in respect to the family members.
Family Members
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